"This day I restore Mr. Magra to his duty as I did not find him guilty of the crimes laid to his charge."
The crimes consisted in some ridicule of Orton, the Captain's clerk, when exhibiting himself in a state of intoxication. Magra, or rather Matra, a gentleman volunteering for the voyage as a seaman, had, upon the discovery of his ability, enforced by the active recommendation of Mr. Banks, been made a midshipman, from which position he had been degraded for a few days on account of the part he was known to have taken in this frolic.
It is interesting and important here to note that this very James Matra, travelling companion with Mr. (afterwards Sir Joseph) Banks, was the direct instrument of the establishment of the English Colony of New South Wales. He, encouraged by Banks, petitioned the Ministry that the land, even then recognized as New South Wales, should be appropriated as a colony for English settlers in America, who had lost their all in supporting the English Government against the American rebels. Mr. Pitt, however, preferred a settlement of persons taken from overcrowded English gaols.
This log incorrectly signs the Captain's name as James Cook, not Jams, the correct way, so continuously used by himself.
An unnamed Deptford Log has this reference to the taking possession on Wednesday, August 22, 1770:—
"At 6 Possession was taken of this country in his Maj's. Name &c. by hoisting a Jack on shore, this was announced from the Ship with colours flying; the whole concluded with 3 cheers."
The astronomer, Mr. Green, is satisfied to copy Pickersgill, saying:—
"At 6 Possession was taken of this country in his Majesty's Name &c.; this was announced from the shore by Vollies and answered from on bd. Colours flying and concluding with 3 cheers."
One Log, unsigned by the writer, has a description of taking possession in similar terms to those evidently prepared on the voyage, saying:—